his mother died in a plane crash when he was six. Dan calls Shapiro who tells him the guy he punched has dropped the charges. Dan tells him "Charlie"'s secret but is not sure about using it, since he is not sure about exploiting people. Shapiro walks away from him. Rufus arrives at the after-party as Eleanor and Blair are leading a toast to Jenny. Jenny tells him that she told Queller she is not going back to school. Blair tries to apologise to Serena but Serena tells her she is not going to find herself so as not to outshine Blair anymore, and it is up to Blair if she supports that. Serena leaves with Poppy. Reception "The Serena Also Rises" was watched by 3.39 million of viewers, making of this episode the 3rd most watched episode of the series. The episode received generally favorable reviews from critics. Most critics praised the fashion theme and the scenes involving Chuck and Dan. Isabelle Carreau, from TV Squad reviewed the episode based on fan perspective, stating that the episode was "a little bit awkward but satisfying at the same time". Carreau enjoyed Serena finally embraced one side of herself, but was disappointed with Jenny's choices throughout the episode. Film School Rejects praised the episode with Michelle Graham stating "Fashion week is hellish, rivalries are at their peak and this episode showcases that to perfection". Jacob from Television Without Pity, gave the episode an A+, citing positive reviews on Chuck and Blair's performances. Overthinking It noted the show's creative streak, stating "The last episode of Gossip Girl continued the show's return to form, and thankfully contained various acts of wanton cruelty." Critical reaction towards Ed Westwick's performance was mixed. Carlos Delgado, from If Magazine, praised Chuck's story line, stating that "the real magic happens" when Chuck opens his heart to Dan. He would later call the show "a mindless unrealistic teen drama". Overthinking It praised Chuck's development, calling his motivations "inscrutable" further asserting that it was his inscrutability that "added to his allure, because it made him impossible to judge, at least on any terms he's willing to grant us — as opposed to say, morally, by which standard he's a jerk. There was a constant deferral of judgment, a missing piece of information that was necessary to forming a complete picture of him. This kept us involved with the character and,